Even when Claudio Bravo has nothing to do with a national team event in Chile, the Manchester City goalkeeper is still in the spotlight.
Manager Reinaldo Rueda announced yesterday the squad that will face Japan and South Korea in two friendlies next month. And even though Bravo hasn’t been included in the list, he was the subject of many questions made by journalists in the press conference.
For those who don’t follow the Chilean national team, there are two controversies which Bravo has been involved in lately. One is his fight with Arturo Vidal. The other is the fact that he’s asked not to be called up for now, even before the injury.
Newspaper La Tercera brings most of Rueda’s quotes about the matter. Even though it had been widely reported that there had been no communication between the manager and the goalkeeper lately, the boss has now revealed that they’ve been in touch.
“We have spoken, but you have to help me,” Rueda told journalists (via La Tercera). “This is an issue for all of us. Nor do I have problems with Claudio, I have never had them. I don’t have candles in this funeral. Claudio does not have problems with Arturo either. You have to change that. I have a great responsibility, which is the mental and social health of the team, which is very fragile.”
Regarding the Manchester City player’s injury and the lack of support from teammates on social media, Rueda said: “Claudio’s thing is regrettable. We have all been hurt for what he means as a person. I hope he has a successful recovery and recovers the best level.”
“We all know the situation and we must help so that the impasse is solved. It isn’t known how many shows of affection Claudio received. Nowadays it’s the social networks that dominate, but maybe he received many private manifestations that don’t have to be made public.”
Rueda also couldn’t guarantee that the goalkeeper will be playing in the Copa America 2019: “I had the same injury and it took me nine months, but maybe it takes him six, but then he gets ready on the pitch. It’s a difficult situation. It will have to be followed up month after month.”
